Impact of the Mediterranean Diet on IVF Success Rates

Prof. Dr. Human Fatemi, Medical Director of leading IVF clinics UAE – IVI Fertility explains how a Mediterranean diet can help women optimize their IVF outcomes

In spite of the growing popularity of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), the topic of diet and its impact on IVF outcomes hasn’t gained much traction in the world of fertility. However, many studies suggest that a nutrient-rich diet can help in managing issues like ovulation, endometriosis, egg quality and embryo implantation, all of which ultimately influence IVF success rates.

“For conception to be successful, it’s paramount for the eggs and sperm to be in a healthy condition. And the type of food people consume plays a key role in determining their reproductive health,” said Prof. Dr. Human Fatemi, Medical Director, IVI Middle East Fertility Clinics.

Among the different meal plans that one can follow, fertility doctors consider Mediterranean diet as the best option for women who are preparing for or going through infertility treatment.

“The Mediterranean diet is rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and olive oil. Most of these foods are high in antioxidants and good-fats but have a low Glycemic Index (GI), which is a great combination. While good-fats help reduce inflammation in the body, antioxidant-rich foods can assist women in optimizing the health of their eggs. Finally, the low-GI feature of the Mediterranean diet helps patients regulate their insulin levels, thereby reducing any negative impact it may have on their ovulation and fertility”, 

added Prof. Fatemi. 

There are several studies that support the facts shared by Prof. Fatemi above, like the one published in the Oxford Journal, Human Reproduction. In this particular study, researchers evaluated the dietary habits of 244 women (22-41 years of age; BMI < 30 kg/m2) undergoing IVF in Greece. Women who followed a Mediterranean diet exhibited higher pregnancy rates (50%) compared to women who did not follow this diet (29.1%). The advantage was most noticeable in women less than 35 years of age.

Another study published in the Fertility and Sterility journal found that a greater intake of whole grains (used in the Mediterranean diet) lead to a higher probability of implantation and live birth among women undergoing an IVF treatment.

However, Prof. Fatemi also reminded that more extensive research was required to further discover the association between a Mediterranean diet and IVF success rates. When there are serious medical reasons behind taking an IVF treatment, diet alone may not lead to improved fertility. However, these findings are undoubtedly significant for couples trying to conceive. Therefore, taking the benefits of such a diet into consideration, IVF specialists at IVI Fertility Clinics UAE encourage patients to follow a healthy lifestyle to have the best chances of conceiving.

IVI Fertility is a renowned IVF institution that runs three state-of-the-art fertility clinics in the Middle East – Fertility clinic Abu Dhabi and Fertility clinic Dubai in UAE as well as Fertility clinic Muscat. IVI Fertility has the highest success rate in the region of over 70% and has a vast and highly experienced team international IVF experts with years of cumulative experiences in delivering success for couples trying to conceive.